Sunday's letters: Our monetary policy

Published: Sunday, March 3, 2013 at 3:15 a.m.

Last Modified: Friday, March 1, 2013 at 4:22 p.m.

I can see and hear my father, Rudy Rivers, and the late Hubert Hendrix, former Herald-Journal executives, making the utterance, “You can’t beat the application of pure intellect.” There may have been a time when this was meant as a true demonstration of someone using his head as something other than a hatrack, but it was usually to make a sarcastic point.

Mr. James Lawson’s letter last Sunday rekindled that memory, and I thank him for that.

Mr. Lawson seems quite confused about monetary policy and military might. By his reckoning, having nuclear bombs and foot soldiers of every size and description means that our government can spend money that it does not have.

Says Mr. Lawson, “Oversimplification of a myriad and complex matter such as this is just silly.” I would like for Mr. Lawson to explain at what mathematical point a common-sense (I suppose oversimplified) idea of not spending beyond your means becomes invalid. Somewhere between the median income in Spartanburg County of $56,900 and the current national debt of $16 trillion, he is able to explain away fiscal responsibility to the point that “it just doesn’t matter.”

His claim that he never spends one second worrying about the national debt or budget may be a myriad and complex matter that may explain his opinion of people who actually worry about what our government is doing and voice their displeasure. His failure to worry may explain why we continue to elect people who do our nation a disservice. Or maybe it’s the application of pure intellect.

Chip Rivers

Spartanburg

Extraordinary young men

The 2012-13 Landrum Cardinals varsity basketball team deserves recognition for an exceptional season.

There are remarkable numbers in the record books that attest to the players’ skills, expertise, proficiencies and ingenuity on the court. One can’t argue with the facts and figures; this is an outstanding group of young athletes.

However, our greatest enjoyment this season did not come from reading the record books but from watching these extraordinary young men develop strength of character, form lasting friendships and learn loyalty and unselfishness as they grew as a team. Many of these athletes spent their Saturday mornings sharing their knowledge and love of basketball with community youngsters.

In the midst of so much bad press about public education, what a great opportunity it has been to share from the sidelines such an uplifting experience! Sincere congratulations and appreciation to the entire Landrum Cardinals team and its coaches for providing us hours and hours of exciting entertainment this season.

<p>I can see and hear my father, Rudy Rivers, and the late Hubert Hendrix, former Herald-Journal executives, making the utterance, “You can't beat the application of pure intellect.” There may have been a time when this was meant as a true demonstration of someone using his head as something other than a hatrack, but it was usually to make a sarcastic point.</p><p>Mr. James Lawson's letter last Sunday rekindled that memory, and I thank him for that.</p><p>Mr. Lawson seems quite confused about monetary policy and military might. By his reckoning, having nuclear bombs and foot soldiers of every size and description means that our government can spend money that it does not have.</p><p>Says Mr. Lawson, “Oversimplification of a myriad and complex matter such as this is just silly.” I would like for Mr. Lawson to explain at what mathematical point a common-sense (I suppose oversimplified) idea of not spending beyond your means becomes invalid. Somewhere between the median income in Spartanburg County of $56,900 and the current national debt of $16 trillion, he is able to explain away fiscal responsibility to the point that “it just doesn't matter.”</p><p>His claim that he never spends one second worrying about the national debt or budget may be a myriad and complex matter that may explain his opinion of people who actually worry about what our government is doing and voice their displeasure. His failure to worry may explain why we continue to elect people who do our nation a disservice. Or maybe it's the application of pure intellect.</p><p><em>Chip Rivers</em></p><p><em>Spartanburg</em></p><h3>Extraordinary young men</h3>
<p>The 2012-13 Landrum Cardinals varsity basketball team deserves recognition for an exceptional season.</p><p>There are remarkable numbers in the record books that attest to the players' skills, expertise, proficiencies and ingenuity on the court. One can't argue with the facts and figures; this is an outstanding group of young athletes.</p><p>However, our greatest enjoyment this season did not come from reading the record books but from watching these extraordinary young men develop strength of character, form lasting friendships and learn loyalty and unselfishness as they grew as a team. Many of these athletes spent their Saturday mornings sharing their knowledge and love of basketball with community youngsters.</p><p>In the midst of so much bad press about public education, what a great opportunity it has been to share from the sidelines such an uplifting experience! Sincere congratulations and appreciation to the entire Landrum Cardinals team and its coaches for providing us hours and hours of exciting entertainment this season.</p><p><em>Gary and Mary Lytle</em></p><p><em>Inman</em></p>